University of Minnesota to tackle American Indian stereotypes ahead of Vikings-Washington game
In advance of the Nov. 2 Minnesota Vikings' game against the Washington Redskins, the University of Minnesota will hold a series of programs on stereotypes in American Indian mascots and logos.
Later this month, the university will hold several events, including a panel discussion, documentary screening and exhibit.
• More information: Details on the events at the University of Minnesota
Katrice Albert, the university's vice president for equity and diversity, said community opinions differ over whether the name "Redskins" is offensive.
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"Our role is to facilitate dialogue where people have an awareness-raising, and understand a different perspective," she said.
The game will be held at the TCF Bank Stadium on campus.
University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler has asked the Vikings to eliminate the use of the Washington team name in publicity materials and announcements.
In an August letter to U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, Kaler said he finds the team's name offensive and agrees with those who say it should be replaced.
• Related: U of M says no Washington mascot at TCF Bank Stadium
"We've had a couple of meetings with them," Kaler said Thursday. "I don't have a definitive word on what they're going to do."
November is Native American Heritage Month, and the U has put on such events before. But this year it moved up the schedule because of the game.
"We have a responsibility as a land-grant institution, with the number of tribal nations in our community, to do that education ... prior to this game," Albert said.
As part of the series, this year the U is also hosting a "Perspectives Panel" to specifically discuss the issue.
The panel will include critics of the use of the Washington team's name, but Albert said the university has invited officials from the NFL and the team, which is under increasing national pressure to drop the name.
She said the university hasn't heard back regarding their ability or willingness to participate.
Meanwhile, the U is working to accommodate multiple requests for a pre-game rally in front of the stadium to protest the team moniker.